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Fatigue

Feeling tired all of the time, getting afternoon energy crashes or evening second winds are common but NOT normal… the good news is that you don't have to live this way!


Fatigue refers to a sensation of exhaustion during or after usual daily activities or a lack of energy to begin these activities. There are two types of fatigue: acute and chronic. 


Acute fatigue is tiredness that lasts for a short time and occurs occasionally. 


Chronic fatigue occurs when symptoms of exhaustion or lack of energy continue for 6+ months (even after getting enough sleep). Some symptoms of chronic fatigue are impairment in short-term memory or concentration, muscle or joint pain, unrefreshing sleep, and more.


Fatigue is normalized but it actually isn't normal and is our body's way of signaling that something is "wrong”. 



Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue:


Dysfunctional circadian rhythm

If you're not spending enough time in natural sunlight or enough time in darkness in the evening (scrolling on our phones in bed), this can lead to a dysfunctional circadian rhythm contributing to chronic fatigue. 


Chronic inflammation

Chronic fatigue is a symptom of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can be causes by gut health, food sensitivities, parasites, infections, blood sugar dysregulation, poor dental health among others.


Suboptimal thyroid dysfunction

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn't make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning optimally- it slows everything down (metabolism, mood, energy, hormones, fertility, gut function, and overall cellular function)

Remember that conventional ranges for thyroid labs are way too big so these are easy to get missed. Check out this Instagram post on optimal thyroid labs!


Micronutrient deficiencies

Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are the building blocks of making things like ATP (your body's energy source), red blood cells and other necessary components the body needs to function. If you're lacking certain vitamins and minerals it's likely contributing to fatigue.


Macronutrient deficiencies

If you're deficient in macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins), you're going to be running on empty and feeling like it. Macronutrients are your gas in the tank! When you don't have enough your body goes into survival mode.


Undiagnosed or known chronic diseases

Various chronic diseases such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, heart diseases, obesity and adrenal insufficiency, or anemia can contribute to fatigue.


Chronic stress aka adrenal dysfunction

Adrenal dysfunction causes dysregulation causing our body to hang out in fight or flight too much too often, which is draining. Most of the time you're running on high cortisol which eventually leads to burn out. (We see this on DUTCH tests all of the time)


Fad diets

Fad diets like "keto" or intermittent fasting can cause fatigue if you're not consuming adequate amounts macronutrients and micronutrients.


Over exercise or lack of movement

Over exercising can increase cortisol, affecting adrenal health and sleep. Regular, moderate exercise can improve sleep quality, sleep duration and fatigue

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